First Step Forward

My toes twitch. Heavy. Real. I plant both feet firmly into the thick carpet pile. A low vibration rumbles in my throat. I push forward, snapping my jaw shut with a sharp, resonant click. Directly ahead sits a white wooden shelf holding a wicker basket. I lower my head, testing my strength against the textured weave of the basket. The stiff woven fibers resist, scraping pleasantly against my snout. I plant my legs wide. I am here, standing tall.